The inflatable RIB boat is usually deployed at short notice by lifeguards on duty in case of emergency and Fingal County Council said it was satisfied that the equipment “was stolen to order”.

The thieves employed sophisticated equipment to steal the RIB and engine, while council staff said other items including a phone and binoculars were also taken. However, items such as radios were left behind.

The local authority is looking to replace the equipment as swiftly as possible, with a Council spokesperson stating:

“Lifeguard equipment is absolutely something we cannot be without. We have to replace it.”

The need for the RIB and engine was highlighted last Sunday when a kayaker in the Claremont beach area contacted lifeguards on spotting another vessel carrying teenage girls drifting dangerously out to sea.

Had the lifeguards been required they would have had to deal with the problem without the inflatable RIB.

Gardaí in Howth have asked anyone with any information to contact Gardaí at 01-666 4900. www.garda.ie